Jameis Winston Faces Lawsuit over Alleged 2012 Rape

Jameis Winston's past has come up time and time again ever since he announced that he would be entering the 2015 NFL draft. Now, with just two weeks left to go before the draft begins, the quarterback out of Florida State is facing a new lawsuit.

The lawsuit was filed by Erica Kinsman, the student who accused the former Seminoles quarterback of rape in 2012. The lawsuit, which was filed Thursday in circuit court in Orlando, FL includes details of the alleged rape that took place on Dec. 7, 2012 at an off-campus apartment.

Kinsman's complaint accuses Winston of "sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress arising out of forcible rape," USA TODAY Sports reported. The lawsuit is seeking damages in excess of $15,000, which would be determined in a jury trial.

"Erica hopes to show other survivors the strength and empowerment that can come from refusing to stay silent no matter what forces are against you," Kinsman's lawyer John Clune said, according to the New York Post. "Jameis Winston in contrast has proven time and time again to be an entitled athlete who believes he can take what he wants. He took something here that he was not entitled to and he hurt someone."

Winston's attorney, David Cornwell, responded, "This stunt was expected. Ms. Kinsman's false accusations have already been exposed and rejected six times. This time will be no different. Mr. Winston welcomes the opportunity to clear his name with the truth. Mr. Winston is looking forward to the upcoming draft. He will not permit this ploy to distract him as he begins the journey of fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a championship quarterback in the National Football League."

In the 2013 investigation, State Attorney Willie Meggs of the Second Judicial Circuit concluded that there was not enough evidence to file charges against Winston. The University also cleared the former Heisman Trophy winner in a two-day student conduct hearing. The hearing determined that Winston did not violate four sections of the code of conduct. Two of these sections were for sexual misconduct and the other two were for endangerment.

Winston is expected to be drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The draft takes place on April 30 through to May 2.